California Chrome an early 3-5 favorite

Derbywinner’s handlers confident despite inside spot.

BALTIMORE— Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome was made a 3-5 favorite Wednesday for the Preakness Stakes, and he drew an inside post position in the 10-horse field that includes a filly (Ria Antonia) for the first time in five years.

Trained by Art Sherman and ridden by Victor Espinoza, California Chrome will break from the No. 3 post, which has produced 10 winners in the previous 138 runnings of the 1 3/16-mile race, the last being Prairie Bayou in 1993.

“Three is fine with me,” Sherman said. “Most of the speed is on the outside of me. If they go, they go, I can tuck in right behind them without any problems. I think my horse will perform.”

So does California Chrome’s co-owner Steve Coburn, who dared to look ahead.

“One race at a time,” he said, “but I’m still thinking Triple Crown.”

If California Chrome wins, next would be the Belmont Stakes on June 7. Only 11 horses have swept the Derby, Preakness and Belmont — none since 1978.

California Chrome brings a five-race win- ning streak into Saturday’s race, having won that many by a combined 26 lengths. Still, his overwhelming odds surprised Sherman.

“I never thought I’d be that kind of price,” he said. “I really thought I’d be 6-5.”

Speedster Social Inclusion (in the No. 8 post) was the 5-1 second choice of new Pimlico oddsmaker Keith Feustle. He skipped the Kentucky Derby and is one of seven new rivals challenging California Chrome.

“I’m never afraid of nothing,” owner Ron Sanchez said. “We have a great post position. We have slow horses to our outside. That’s going to help us a lot.”